[ He's so fucking thankful that John's back is turned when his mouth goes off, because his hand covers it as fast as could be. That wasn't conversation he'd wanted to bring up, not here - not in a kitchen, with a legal pad detailing his account of casework and burned-to-death-nymphs and Hendricks on the mend (he doesn't even know hendricks that well but he sympathizes with him and john more than he'll let on) and those blackberries were looking awfully appealing right up the point where he sees John's ribs expand when he takes a deep breath, because he's looking that close and then

he lowers his hand, and his breath tumbles out of his lungs. ] No, you don't owe me--. [ There's a lot of open mouth close mouth try to find the words and fail involved. Stay cool. ] I said ask me in the morning, because that's when I'd be sober and my answers would actually matter.

I shouldn't have brought it up, it's not a good time. How's the... report look?